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| Loan signing ceremony for Kaduna schooling |
The Federal Government signed a $25.35 million concessionary loan agreement with the Kuwait Fund today. The deal aims to back a large programme for out-of-school children in Kaduna State.
This loan joins a wider $62.8 million financing package from global partners. The funds will boost access to quality education for vulnerable kids.
Mr Wale Edun, Finance Minister, signed on behalf of the Federal Government. He was represented by Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance.
Dr Wahid Al-Bahar, Director-General of the Kuwait Fund, called it an investment in the future. He said every dollar will aim for real change in Kaduna classrooms.
Governor Uba Sani confirmed Kaduna already paid its $1 million counterpart share. He noted education now ranks 26 percent of the state’s 2025 budget.
The programme will build 102 climate-resilient schools and rehab 170 others. It targets girls, children with disabilities, and displaced families.
Across Nigeria, 18.3 million children were out of school in 2024. About 80 percent of that total live in the North.
Kaduna alone had roughly 768,000 basic-age kids out of class in 2022. The state hopes to re-enrol 200,000 through this new drive.
The Reaching Out-of-School Children programme will train teachers and officials. Kaduna trained 8,700 school-management members earlier this year.
Training will cover leadership, resource mobilisation, and community engagement. It aims to bridge gaps between schools and local families.
Funds also back infrastructure, learning materials, and safe transport for kids. Community groups will help spot and support out-of-school children.
The finance package integrates grants from the Islamic Development Bank and GPE. Education Above All and Save the Children add technical support too.
Officials promise strict monitoring and clear reports on spending and outcomes. They say this drive will set a model for other states.
For Kaduna’s kids, this loan could spell new classrooms and real hope. Communities await the start of renovations and new builds.
Long-term change needs steady funds, local support, and policy follow-through. Nigeria must keep education high on its budget list.
Parents, teachers, and civic groups can join school-based committees to guide plans. They can track attendance, spot dropouts, and rally support.
With partners, Kaduna seeks to cut its out-of-school rate in half by 2027. Success here may shape national efforts across Nigeria.
The Kuwait loan marks a key start. Kaduna’s leaders must turn it into results. Community action will seal its impact on young lives.